Frey Electric Construction
Three generations of the Frey family have overseen continued success at Frey Electric Construction Co.Paul Frey founded Frey Electric, a provider of electrical services for homes and businesses, in 1945, operating out of his home in Buffalo. The company has come a long way since, growing steadily at a rate of about 15 percent a year. The company now employs approximately 300 people and is housed in a 30,000-square foot office and warehouse facility in the Buffalo suburb of Tonawanda.
Throughout the company’s existence, the Frey family involvement has remained constant. Paul Frey ran the business until 1975 when his son, Harry Frey, became president and chief executive officer. In 1993, his son, Kent, took over as president and CEO. Kent’s brother, Scott, is a member of the company’s Board of Directors and his mother, Arlene Frey, has worked in the firm’s accounting department for more than 20 years.
One reason for Frey Electric’s continued growth has been its commitment to diversification of services. Today, the company specializes in complete electrical systems construction, building management and communication system infrastructure services.
Throughout its history, the company has continually researched advances in technology. That has allowed Frey Electric to meet the needs of its customers while promoting growth.
It is the commitment to the customer that represents the greatest key to the company’s success. “We’ve succeeded because of the services we provide,” said Kent Frey, “We’re reliable to the customers and do what we say we’ll do.”
Like many family businesses, Frey Electric has been successful due to a desire, passed on from generation to generation, to promote sustained business growth.
“With family businesses, there’s more of a dedication to keeping the business going strong," he said. "When the family's name is on the business, it's very important to keep the reputation up and succeed on a long-term basis."
The company believes in giving back to the community, supporting numerous Buffalo-area charitable organizations, including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the American Diabetes Foundation, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Shea’s Performing Arts, March of Dimes and Boy Scouts of America.